High Street Heaven

After the fantastic response we had in our last issue regarding ‘The Future of Shopping’, we have decided to follow up this month with a celebration of all things High Street!

Many physical retailers are concerned that the nature of shopping on the High Street is a thing of the past; with companies like Amazon, ASOS and AO offering convenient shopping options from the comfort of your sofa on a Sunday night. But as our survey results showed, physical stores on the High Street still hold a very valuable place in the retail sector.

Many readers commented that the frequent closure of so many shops was ‘saddening’; stating that being able to see, feel and test the products before you buy is one of the biggest advantages of visiting a shop. Clothes shopping also rated highly on the list of priority on the High Street – most of the responses we received mentioned that clothing is difficult to buy online, unless you know the fit and quality of material is going to be exactly what you want, thus giving credit to a huge range of options available on the High Street.

Local consumers also LOVE the ‘personal touch’ when it comes to shopping in person; customer service was one of the biggest factors in drawing our readers onto the High Street, rather than looking online. Add to that the ability to catch up with a friend over a coffee or lunch, or relieving boredom & loneliness through community engagement; encouraging interaction & accessibility to all. These are still some of the biggest draws of hitting the town for a spot of retail therapy.

This month, we want to know: what’s YOUR favourite part of High Street shopping? Email media@waterfrontlife.co, with the subject ‘I Love the High Street Because…’ and let us know! Alternatively, head to our Facebook page and comment on the related post. We’ll choose a winner at random to receive a £50 voucher to spend at any shop or restaurant in the Saints. Competition closes 11:59pm on 25 March 2018.